The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), the professional and regulatory body for teachers, has launched the STAR (Student Teacher Award of Recognition) Award to celebrate the hard work, dedication and talent of local student teachers.

Dr Carmel Gallagher, the Registrar of the General Teaching Council commented:

“We are delighted to launch this year’s STAR Award which recognises outstanding student teachers who have excelled in their courses and teaching placements in our local schools. The GTCNI Student Teacher award programme has established itself as a respected, highly valued and sought after addition to the employability profile of teacher graduates, enabling them to stand out as ‘best in class’ from the start of their careers.”

Formerly known simply as the GTCNI Student Teacher Award the scheme has been rebranded as the ‘STAR’ Award to enhance its recognition and impact. The Award, which has been run successfully since it was first introduced in 2007, recognises students who have consistently achieved at a high level. Two final year students from each of the Higher Education Institutions which provide Initial Teacher Education programmes are awarded a GTCNI certificate and £400 to spend on their continuing professional development.

Dr Carmel Gallagher (GTCNI, Registrar) launched the ‘STAR’ Award with the assistance of final year students Cassie Cadden (St Mary’s), James Lennon (QUB), Chloe Patton (UU) and Michael Pollock (Stranmillis).

For further details visit the GTCNI website.